MOSOP-USA marks 30th anniversary of Ogoni Martyrs with calls for justice, development

From November 7 through 9, 2025, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People in the United States (MOSOP-USA) held a solemn commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the hanging of the Ogoni Nine and the brutal murders of the Ogoni Four, collectively remembered as the Ogoni 13.

The ceremony which took place at Boston University, brought together Ogoni citizens, supporters, and friends from across the United States to honour the memory and legacy of those who sacrificed their lives for justice and the rights of the Ogoni people.

The Ogoni 13, whose names include Kenule Beson Saro-Wiwa, John Barinaaziga Kpuinen, Dr. Barinem Kiobel, Paul Levura, Saturday Dorbee, Daniel Gbokoo, Nordu Eawo, Baribor Bera, Felix Nuate, Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, and Samuel Orage, were remembered through a candlelight vigil on November 7.

Each martyr was symbolically represented by an Ogoni participant holding a candle in their honour.

Following a speech by MOSOP-USA President, Elder DineBari Kpuinen, all attendees pledged to continue the struggle for Ogoni rights, ensuring that the light of the martyrs would never be extinguished.

The event also marked a significant milestone for MOSOP-USA, which transitioned from being an affiliate of MOSOP Nigeria to becoming a fully independent non-governmental organisation in the United States.

The transition reflects the organisation’s renewed commitment to advocating for human rights, environmental protection, and democratic change using non-violent methods, in line with the legacy of Ken Saro-Wiwa.

As part of this transition, the previously elected Executive Council of MOSOP-USA was dissolved, and Elder DineBari Augustine Kpuinen was appointed as the first Executive Director of the NGO.

His appointment was formalised on November 8, 2025, during a ceremony where he signed a leadership contract presented by Dr. Bariaala Kpuinen, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, on behalf of the Chairman.

The revised Constitution of MOSOP-USA was also signed into law by Elder Kpuinen and Dr. Anthony Adamgbo, Secretary to the Board of Directors, signifying the organisation’s official transformation.

During the three-day congress, MOSOP-USA addressed pressing issues affecting the Ogoni people.

The organisation emphasised the long-standing demand for the creation of Bori State, citing the inequitable distribution of resources and political representation in Nigeria.

The leaders argued that despite Ogoni’s significant contributions to the nation’s economy, its people remain grouped with 16 other ethnic communities, receiving an unfair share of national allocations.

MOSOP-USA also raised concerns over violence and domination by Fulani herdsmen, land encroachment by neighboring ethnic groups, and the ongoing loss of Ogoni lands.

The organisation called on the Governor of Rivers State and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and protect Ogoni communities from continued aggression, including attacks on women, kidnappings, and land seizures.

The congress also warned against internal divisions within the Ogoni community, noting that government tactics reminiscent of colonial-era divide-and-rule strategies threatened to undermine unity.

Elder Kpuinen emphasised the importance of solidarity, peace, and collective action to safeguard the interests of the Ogoni people.

Access to clean water was another focal point of the discussions.

MOSOP-USA criticised the poor quality of water supply in Ogoni communities and called for the construction of eight centralised boreholes, one for each kingdom and the two special units, to provide uncontaminated water below toxic hydrocarbon levels.

The organisation also stressed that environmental conditions remain unsuitable for oil production.

MOSOP-USA demanded full environmental cleanup as outlined in the 2011 UNEP report, certified safe for both people and the ecosystem before resuming any extraction activities.

In addition, the Ogoni Bill of Rights, reflecting the resolutions of the Willink Commission of 1957, was highlighted as a necessary legal safeguard that must be incorporated into the Nigerian Constitution prior to oil operations.

Specific concerns were raised regarding the Oyigbo Local Government Area, where MOSOP-USA demanded an immediate halt to gas production in Ledor.

The organisation accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation of renaming the community to obscure its Ogoni identity and called on all oil companies to cease operations in Ogoni until the Bill of Rights is recognised and enforced.

While commending the presidential recognition of the Ogoni Nine, MOSOP-USA expressed disappointment at the partial pardons issued to the martyrs.

The organisation demanded full exoneration and a national apology for the atrocities committed against the Ogoni people, including the massacre of over 4,000 individuals during the Abacha regime.

The congress also highlighted the plight of approximately 2,000 displaced Ogoni families in the Republic of Benin, urging government intervention for their rehabilitation and restitution.

The issue of electricity was raised as an example of systemic discrimination, with MOSOP-USA noting that Ogoni communities remain largely deprived of power despite their critical contributions to national resources.

The organisation called for the provision of reliable 24/7 electricity to Ogoni towns.

Criticism was also leveled at HYPREP, the federal agency responsible for environmental remediation, which was accused of misappropriating funds.

MOSOP-USA demanded the dissolution of HYPREP and proposed the creation of an Ogoni-led Environmental Restoration Agency under presidential oversight.

Elder DineBari Augustine Kpuinen concluded the congress by urging the Nigerian government to officially recognise the Ogoni as an ethnic community and to ensure equal treatment and resources.

He stated that failure to address these longstanding grievances could compel the Ogoni people to seek alternative avenues for protection and justice.

The 30th anniversary commemoration served as both a remembrance of the sacrifices of the Ogoni martyrs and a reaffirmation of the community’s ongoing struggle for justice, equity, and sustainable development.

MOSOP-USA emphasised its commitment to pursuing these goals both within Nigeria and across the diaspora, carrying forward the legacy of the Ogoni Thirteen with renewed determination.